Airworthiness directives update

CASA has updated its information package on the new arrangements for airworthiness directives.

All aircraft on the Australian register are now required to comply with applicable airworthiness directives issued by the national airworthiness authority of the state of design of the aircraft. It is the responsibility of the registered operator to monitor all airworthiness directives that apply to their aircraft, including any unique Australia directives that may be produced.

The advisory circular on airworthiness directives is an essential reference source for aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. The 17-page document sets out the airworthiness directive system that came into operation in October 2009. From that date CASA ceased to produce Australian airworthiness directives that simply mirror those from overseas safety regulators.

The advisory circular explains how to determine the state of design for aircraft and aircraft components, how to obtain airworthiness directives, how often to monitor for new directives and what directives must be complied with when an aircraft goes on to the Australian register.

Where compliance with a directive requires reports or findings to be submitted to an overseas regulator, these must be sent to CASA for review. Information will then be sent on to the overseas regulator as necessary. The process for issuing Australian unique airworthiness directives is set out in detail, as is the process for applying for an exclusion or alternative means of compliance.

Read the full airworthiness directive advisory circular here.